U.S. patent number 3,604,750 [Application Number 04/776,979] was granted by the patent office on 1971-09-14 for harness.
Invention is credited to Esther W. Doering.
United States Patent |
3,604,750 |
Doering |
September 14, 1971 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
HARNESS
Abstract
Harnesses are taught for converting a chair into a security
chair to hold an individual in a sitting position while at the same
time permitting comfortable shifting movements by the individual.
The harnesses are first affixed to a chair and then body holding
elements of the harnesses are used to secure a seated individual
for safety. One type of harness especially useful for holding
infants is formed from a length of flexible sheetlike material
having the following panels in sequence: A seat section, a back
section, and a back overlap section which extends from the top of
the upright back of a chair downwardly on the rear side. Flexible
members or straps connected to the length of material are used to
firmly fasten the seat section, back section, and back overlap
panel to a chair. Shoulder straps affixed to the back section are
crossed over the chest of an individual; and a crotch extension
equipped with a sash or belt is drawn upwardly between the legs of
an individual, connected to the crossed shoulder straps and then
secured laterally and rearwardly of the individual. The harness for
adults or invalids likewise includes a seat section, back section
and back overlap panel, preferably with an underseat panel
interposed between the seat section and back section and a slot
along the rear edge of the seat section through which the back
section and back overlap panel are drawn after the seat section and
underseat panel are stretched about the seat of a chair.
Additionally, in the embodiment designed especially for use by
adults, the long shoulder straps are preferably fixed at one end to
the underseat section, and extended upward behind the back section
to locations in the back section from which they are extended to
cover the chest of the individual. The adult embodiment has
separate thigh straps affixed to the seat section. They are adapted
to be drawn separately upwardly between the legs of an individual
and over his thighs.
Inventors: |
Doering; Esther W. (Olivia,
MN) |
Family
ID: |
25108913 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/776,979 |
Filed: |
November 19, 1968 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/467; 297/485;
297/484 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D
15/006 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47D
15/00 (20060101); A47d 015/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;297/389,384,385,219 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: McCall; James T.
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A harness useful to convert a chair into a security chair for
holding an individual in a sitting position while at the same time
permitting comfortable shifting movements by the individual, said
harness being free of members which constrictively encircle the
limbs of an individual and comprising (i) a seat section of
flexible material adapted to extend as a covering upon the seat
portion of a chair, (ii) means connected to said seat section for
fastening said seat section upon the seat portion of the chair,
(iii) a back section of flexible material connected to said seat
section, said back section being adapted to extend as a covering
upon the front surface of the upright back of the chair, (iv) means
for fastening said back section on the front surface of the upright
back of the chair, and (v) releasable and adjustable body harness
means for holding an individual in a seated position on said seat
section, said body harness means being adapted for attachment and
removal from an individual without releasing the means fastening
said seat section and back section on the chair.
2. The harness of claim 1 wherein said means for fastening said
seat section upon the seat portion of the chair comprises a
flexible member adapted to extend as a connection underneath the
seat of the chair from one edge to an opposing edge of said seat
section.
3. The harness of claim 2 wherein the flexible member consists
essentially of a strap connection extending from one lateral edge
to the opposing lateral edge of said seat section, said strap
connection being conveniently and quickly severable for removal of
said seat section and reconnectable to fasten said seat section
upon the seat portion of a chair.
4. The harness of claim 2 wherein the flexible member consists
essentially of a bottom panel of material united at one edge to the
anterior edge of the seat section and connected at its opposite
edge to said back section.
5. The harness of claim 4 wherein the rear edge portion of said
seat section is provided with means cooperative with the lowermost
part of said back section to hold the rear edge portion of said
seat section against forward movement away from said back
section.
6. The harness of claim 5 wherein said means to hold the rear of
said seat section against said forward movement comprises a
slotlike opening along the rear edge portion of said seat section,
through which opening said back section is adapted to be drawn
upwardly to thereby prevent said forward movement.
7. The harness of claim 1 wherein said means for fastening said
back section on the front surface of the upright back of the chair
comprises a back overlap panel of flexible material united at one
edge to the uppermost edge of said back section, said back overlap
panel being adapted to extend from the top portion of the upright
back of the chair downwardly upon the rear side of said upright
back.
8. The harness of claim 7 having severable and reconnectable means
for fastening lateral portions back section to the depending part
of said back overlap panel.
9. The harness of claim 7 having severable and reconnectable means
for fastening lateral portions of said back section to the
depending part of said back overlap panel, said severable and
reconnectable means comprising a strap connection adapted to extend
between said lateral portions off said back section and through a
port opening at the depending part of said back overlap panel, said
harness being adapted to be folded into a compact diaper-carrying
bag when not affixed to a chair.
10. The harness of claim 1 wherein said body-harness means for
holding an individual in a seated position on said seat section
consists essentially of two strap members, each of which is
permanently connected at one end to the forward central area of
said seat section, one of said strap members being adapted to be
drawn upwardly between the legs of an individual seated on said
seat section over his right thigh and secured rearwardly of said
individual on his right side, and the other of said strap members
being adapted to be drawn upwardly between the legs of said
individual over his left thigh and secured rearwardly of said
individual on his left side.
11. The harness of claim 1 wherein the body-harness means for
holding an individual in seated position on said seat section
comprise upper torso holding means extending from said back section
and lower body holding means connecting to said forward central
area of said seat section, said upper torso holding means being
adapted to be drawn over the shoulders of an individual seated on
said seat secton on the chair, and said lower body holding means
being adapted to be drawn upwardly between the legs of an
individual seated on said seat section on the chair and joined to
said upper torso holding means.
12. The harness of claim 11 wherein sad upper torso holding means
consists essentially of two spaced shoulder straps so arranged that
one end of each extends from fixed laterally spaced locations in
the upper half of said back section as said back section is affixed
to a chair, said shoulder straps being adapted to be drawn over the
shoulders of an individual seated on said seat section on the chair
and crossed over the chest of said individual.
13. The harness of claim 12 wherein the lower body holding means
consists essentially of a crotch panel connected to a forward
central area of said seat section and a laterally extending sash
attached to the anterior portion of said crotch panel, said crotch
panel being adapted to be drawn upwardly between the legs of an
individual over the lower abdominal area of said individual and
said sash being adapted to be connected to depending ends of said
crossed shoulder straps over the chest of an individual and then
extended to laterally spaced locations at each side and rearwardly
of said individual.
14. The harness of claim 12 having, in addition, means uniting the
depending terminal ends of said shoulder straps in crossed
condition, and wherein the lower body holding means consists
essentially of a crotch panel connected to the forward central area
of said seat section, said crotch panel being provided with
severable and reconnectable means for attaching it to said means
uniting the depending terminal portions of said crossed shoulder
straps.
15. The harness of claim 12 wherein the means for fastening said
seat section upon the seat portion of the chair comprises an
underseat bottom panel of flexible material united at one edge to
the anterior edge of said seat section and united at its opposite
edge to said back section.
16. The harness of claim 15 wherein each of said shoulder strap
members is united at a laterally spaced location to the rear edge
portion of said underseat bottom panel, wherein said laterally
spaced locations in the upper half of said back section are
slotlike openings, and wherein said shoulder straps are adapted to
be extended upwardly from said locations at the rear edge of said
underseat bottom panel and forwardly through said laterally spaced
openings in said back section in the upper half thereof.
17. The harness of claim 11 wherein the lower body holding means
consists essentially of two strap members, each of which is
permanently connected at one end to the forward central area of
said seat section, one of said strap members being adapted to be
drawn upwardly between the legs of an individual seated on said
seat section over his right thigh for connection to said upper
torso holding means before being secured rearwardly of said
individual on his right side, and the other of said strap members
being adapted to be drawn upwardly between the legs of said
individual over his left thigh for connection to said upper torso
holding means before being secured rearwardly of said individual on
his left side.
18. The harness of claim 17 wherein said upper torso having means
consists essentially of two spaced shoulder straps so arranged that
one end of each extends from a fixed laterally spaced location in
the upper half of said back section as said back section is affixed
to a chair.
19. The harness of claim 1 wherein the body harness means for
holding an individual in seated position on said seat section
comprises upper torso holding means being adapted to back section,
said upper torso holding means being adapted to be drawn over the
shoulders of an individual seated on said seat section in the
chair.
20. The harness of claim 19 wherein the upper torso holding means
comprises two spaced shoulder straps so arranged that one end of
each extends from fixed laterally spaced locations in the upper
half of said back section as said back section is affixed to a
chair, said shoulder straps being adapted to be drawn over the
shoulders of an individual seated on said seat section for crossing
over the chest of said individual and then extended laterally of
the individual under his arms, and means for releasably securing
said shoulder straps in said position.
21. The harass of claim 1 wherein said means for fastening said
back section on the front surface of the upright back of the chair
comprises a back overlap panel of flexible material united at one
edge to the uppermost edge of said back section and united at
lateral edge portions to lateral edge portions of said back
section, whereby said back overlap panel and said back section form
an envelope adapted to fit over the upright back of a chair.
22. A harness useful to convert a chair into a security chair for
holding an individual in a sitting position while at the same time
permitting comfortable shifting movements by the individual, said
harness being free of members which constrictively encircle the
limbs of an individual and comprising (i) a back section of
flexible material adapted to extend as a covering upon the front
surface of the upright back of the chair, (ii) means for fastening
said back section on the chair, (iii) body harness means for
holding an individual in a seated position, said body harness means
comprising upper torso holding means consisting essentially of two
separate straps, each having one end extending from said back
section and the other end free of attachment, said shoulder straps
being adapted to be drawn separately over the shoulders of an
individual and then placed in crossed position over the chest of
said individual, said shoulder straps being essentially uniform in
width throughout the length thereof, and releasable means for
securing said free ends of said shoulder straps laterally with
respect to the individual to hold said shoulder straps in said
chest crossed position.
23. A chair with harness members to hold an individual in a sitting
position while at the same time permitting comfortable shifting
movements by the individual, said harness members being free of
members which constrictively encircle the limbs of an individual
and comprising upper torso holding means consisting of two separate
shoulder straps, each having one end extending from the upright
back of the chair and the other end free of attachment, said
shoulder straps being adapted to be drawn separately over the
shoulders of an individual and then placed in crossed position over
the chest of said individual, said shoulder straps being
essentially uniform in width throughout the length thereof, and
releaseable means for securing said free ends of said shoulder
straps laterally with respect to the individual to hold said
shoulder straps in said chest crossed position.
24. A chair with harness members to hold an individual in a sitting
position while at the same time permitting comfortable shifting
movements by the individual, said harness members being free of
members which constrictively encircle the limbs of an individual
and comprising lower body holding means in the nature of two thigh
straps, each affixed at one end to a central forward area of the
seat part of the chair and having the opposite end thereof free of
attachment, one of said thigh straps being adapted to be drawn
upwardly between the legs of an individual seated in said chair
over his right thigh for attachment of its free end laterally on
the right side of the individual, the other of said thigh straps
being adapted to be drawn upwardly between the legs of said
individual over his left thigh for attachment of its free end
laterally on the left side of the individual, and means laterally
with respect to the individual for attachment of said free ends of
said thigh straps, said lower body holding means being free of
constrictive binding in the crotch area.
Description
This invention relates to new harnesses useful to convert a chair
into a security chair for holding an individual in a sitting
position while at the same time permitting comfortable shifting
movements by the individual.
An important feature of the harnesses of this invention is that
they are designed to be attached or secured first to a chair, and
thereafter accommodated to an individual at the time the individual
sits in the chair.
One major embodiment for the harnesses of the invention is
especially useful to provide a security chair for infants. An
optional feature of this embodiment is that it may be formed to be
convertible into a carrying bag for diapers when not used as a
safety or security device.
Another major embodiment is especially useful to provide a security
chair for adults or invalids, particularly invalids confined to
wheel chairs.
Harnesses according to this invention are designed to secure an
individual against dangerous falls out of a chair, whether the
individual is an infant or an adult, and provide this desirable
result by means which do not constrictively circumscribe or
encircle the limbs of the individual. The arrangement of the
body-holding elements of the harnesses taught herein is such that
an individual held in a sitting position by the elements is allowed
free movement for his limbs as well as substantial movement for his
torso without being released or escaping from the protective action
of the holding elements.
Security harnesses of a variety of types have been known
heretofore. For the most part, however, they have been so designed
that the elements of the harness must first be jacketed about the
torso of an individual (which is not always practical to accomplish
on an invalid or a wiggling infant), and then secured to a chair at
the time the individual is placed in the chair. The problem of
placing an infant or invalid in such harnesses is compounded
whenever the harness is designed with special arm or neck holes, as
has been customary for some harnesses of the prior art. Also, an
individual equipped with a harness having elements such as hole
openings which constrictively encircle or circumscribe his limbs or
neck is uncomfortable and generally quite restricted in his
movements with respect to the harness. But far too frequently,
while the individual is restricted in his movements by such prior
art harnesses, the possibility for unsafe movement may still be
present and may cause hazards other than falling to arise.
A prior art teaching which appears to depart from the approach of
first jacketing harness elements about an individual is set forth
in Hlivka U.S. Pat. No. 2,652,183 . The harness of that patent is
designed to be first placed upon a chair and then fitted about the
legs and waist of an individual seated in it. The seat part of the
harness merely rests upon the seat of the chair. Also, in terms of
practical use, the harness of that patent is not effective to
prevent an infant from struggling to a standing position on the
seat of the chair and simultaneously raising the harness upward and
carrying the harness on him as he stands. Alternatively, if the
bloomer apron of that patent is not sized properly to the child,
and is loose on the child, the child may work his legs up under him
within the bloomer apron and wiggle out of the harness. But, if the
bloomer portion is so sized as to circumscribe snugly the thighs of
the infant, a possible problem off impairing circulation in the
thighs of the infant as he gains weight may arise; and still there
exists a further problem in that nothing according to that patent
teaching would prevent the infant from struggling to a standing
position while carrying the complete harness with him. Further, the
back panel of that harness would appear to flap or fall forward and
annoy an individual in the harness. In short, the harness of the
noted patent, while superficially appearing to be one in which the
individual is not first placed prior to affixing it to a chair, is
actually one that does behave in the manner characteristic of those
harnesses especially designed to be first placed upon an individual
and then attached to a chair.
Objections aforenoted for harnesses of the prior art are overcome
by following teachings form this disclosure. Fundamentally,
harnesses of this invention are free of members which
constrictively encircle the limbs of an individual.
These harnesses comprise (i) a set section of flexible material
adapted to extend as a covering upon the seat portion of a chair,
(ii) means for fastening the seat section upon the seat portion of
the chair, (iii) a back section of flexible material connected to
the seat section and adapted to extend as a covering upon the first
surface of the upright back of the chair, (iv) means for fastening
the back section on the front surface of the upright back of the
chair, and (v) body harness means for holding an individual in a
seated position on the seat section. The body harness means
preferably comprises lower body holding elements adapted to extend
between the forward central area of the seat section and laterally
spaced locations at each side and rearwardly of the individual.
In both of the major embodiments for the harnesses of this
invention, the preferred means for fastening the back section on
the front surface of the upright back of the chair comprises a back
overlap panel of flexible material united at one edge to the
uppermost edge of the back section. This back overlap panel is
adapted to extend from the top portion of the upright back of the
chair downwardly upon the rear side of that upright back. Means are
provided to hold the depending portion of the back overlap panel
against upward movement and thereby also hold the back section of
the harness in position on the front surface of the upright back of
the chair.
Especially to be emphasized is the fact that the seat section of
harnesses of this invention is normally firmly held on the seat of
a chair, and usually not merely placed in a position of rest
thereupon. In this connection, it is preferably fastened upon the
seat portion of the chair, suitably by means comprising a flexible
member adapted to extend as a connection underneath the seat of the
chair from one edge to an opposing edge of the seat section.
Preferred body harness means for holding an individual in seated
position on the seat section of the new article comprises
upper-torso holding means connected to the back section of the
harnesses, usually also with lower body holding means connected to
the forward central area of the seat section of the harnesses.
The upper torso holding means comprises elements adapted to be
drawn over the shoulders of an individual seated on the seat
section of the harness; and the lower body holding means comprises
elements adapted to be drawn upwardly between the legs or through
the crotch area of an individual seated on the seat section of the
harness and connected to the upper torso holding means.
In the embodiment especially designed for use by invalids, the
lower body holding elements consist essentially of two strap
members, each permanently connected at one end to the forward
central area of the seat section, and each being adapted to be
drawn between the legs of the individual over a thigh and then
secured rearwardly of the individual.
The invention will further be described by reference to a drawing
made a part hereof wherein:
FIG. 1 is a plan schematic view of an infant-type harness of the
invention shown in flattened stretched-out condition;
FIG. 2 is a schematic front perspective view of an infant held by
the harness of FIG. 1 and particularly illustrating the arrangement
of the body harness members of the harness of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a schematic rear perspective view of the showing in FIG.
2;
FIG. 4 is a plan schematic view of an alternate infant-type
harness, also shown in flattened stretched-out condition;
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view, partially broken away,
showing the folding for a harness, as illustrated in FIG. 2, to
form a bag suitable for carrying diapers or the like;
FIG. 6 is a plan schematic view of an adult-type harness according
to the invention (especially one designed to hold invalids in a
sitting position in a chair such as a wheelchair or the like),
shown in flattened streteched-out condition;
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a wheel chair equipped
with the harness of FIG. 6; and
FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the harness of FIG. 6
illustrating the arrangement of the elements as they are arranged
on a chair and about an individual held in a sitting position.
Referring to the drawing, particularly FIGS. 1-5 inclusive, the
major embodiment of the invention especially useful to provide a
safety seat for infants will first be described. This structure
comprises a seat panel or section 10 of flexible sheetlike material
(e.g. fabric) adapted to extend as a covering upon the seat portion
of a chair, and a back section 11 of flexible sheetlike material
connected to the seat section and adapted to extend as a covering
upon the front surface of the upright back of a chair. The seat
section 10 and the back section 11, as illustrated in the drawing,
may be parts of a continuous length of flexible material.
Alternately, the substantially rectangular panel forming the seat
section and the substantially rectangular panel forming the back
section may be joined by sewing or sealing or snapping them
together at the dash line 12, which represents the line of direct
connection between the seat section 10 and back section 11 in the
continuous length. Preferably, the seat and back section are
permanently united together, as distinguished from being severably
united by snap elements or the like.
Means are provided for fastening the seat section upon the seat
portion of the chair; and this means preferably comprises a
flexible member which extends underneath the seat of the chair from
one edge to an opposing edge of the seat section.
The fastening means is illustrated in FIG. 1 as a strap having the
two parts 13 and 14 adapted to extend as a connection underneath
the seat of a chair. Part 13 of the seat fastening strap is
illustrated as being united permanently to lateral edge 15 of the
seat section 10; whereas part 14 is illustrated as being
permanently united to lateral edge 16 of the seat section 10. The
two parts 13 and 14 are conveniently and quickly severable and
reconnectable, as by means such as male and female snap members 17
and 18.
In FIG. 4, the seat fastening strap 19 is illustrated as being
permanently united to the lateral edge 20 of seat section 10. It is
adapted to extend as a flexible connection underneath the seat of
the chair from the lateral edge 20 to lateral edge 21 of the seat
section 10. Cooperating snap fastener elements 22 and 23 at the end
of strap 19 and the lateral edge of seat section 10, respectively,
are used for connecting and severing the strap 19. Preferably, snap
fastening member 22 joins with snap fastening member 23 underneath
the panel of seat section 10 on the chair, inasmuch as this reduces
the likelihood of inadvertent disconnection by an infant while
being held in the harness.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the snap fastening
elements 17 and 18 join the two parts of the seat fastening strap
together underneath the chair, and are quite inaccessible for
inadvertent disconnection. Likewise, however, they are not as
easily reached for connection at the time of installing the seat
panel 10 on a chair as the snap members located as illustrated at
22 and 23 in FIG. 4.
Elements for fastening the back section 11 as a panel on the front
surface of the upright back of a chair preferably include a back
overlap panel 24 of flexible sheetlike material united at one edge
to the uppermost edge of the back section 11. This back overlap
panel is adapted to extend from the top portion of the upright back
of a chair downwardly upon the rear side of that upright back. The
dash line 25 illustrates the approximate location of the connection
between the back overlap panel 24 and the back section or panel 11.
Preferably this connection is permanent; and the usual practice is
to form the back overlap panel 24 as an integral part of the
continuous length of sheetlike material or to unite it permanently
thereto by sewing or sealing. The back overlap panel 24 is usually
approximately rectangular in shape, but may comprise straplike
elements for arrangement over the top of a chair back or a
structure of approximately triangular configuration, with the base
of the triangle being the part nearest the line of connection
between it and the uppermost part of back section 11.
A strap member consisting of two parts 26 and 27 (see FIG. 1), each
respectively united at one end to a lateral edge 28 and 29 of the
back section 11, is provided for fastening those lateral edges or
portions of the back section to the depending part of the back
overlap panel 24. Cooperating snap fastening members 30 and 31
located at or near the outer or terminal ends of the strap parts 26
and 27 provide severable and reconnectable means for joining the
parts of the back section fastening strap together. To be
recognized is the fact that the two parts 26 and 27 of the
fastening strap for the back section might be severably and
reconnectably fastened individually to separate cooperating snap
elements on the back overlap panel 24. A preferable arrangement is
to thread the free ends of the fastening strap members 26 and 27
respectively through slotted openings 32 and 33 (or a single
slotted opening replacing the two illustrated in FIG. 1) in the
depending tab extension 34 at the lowermost depending part of the
back overlap panel 24, after which snap fastener elements 30 and 31
are united.
In FIG. 4, a single strap 35 is shown united to lateral edge 28 of
the back section 11. Cooperating snap fastening elements 36 and 37
at the end of the strap 35 and the opposite lateral edge 29 of back
section 11, respectively, are used to fasten the single strap 35
about the rear of the upright back of a chair (suitably after
threading strap 35 through slotted opening 32 and 33 of the
depending tab 34 of he back overlap panel).
The back section fastening strap 35, or strap elements 26 and 27,
after being threaded through a depending portion (i.e., slots 32
and 33 of depending tab 34) of the back overlap panel 24, or
otherwise connected thereto as by snap elements or buckles, serve
to hold the back overlap panel against upward shifting movements.
In this manner, the back section is held firmly against flapping
forward or other undue shifting to cause discomfort or lack of firm
support for the upper torso holding elements to be described.
However, instead of strap 35, or strap elements 26 and 27, or as an
optional additional feature, flexible tie strings 38 and 39,
attached each at a respective lateral edge 28 and 29 of the back
section 11, may be used to fasten the back section in place. These
tie strings 38 and 39 may be joined together through the openings
32 and 33 (or connected by snaps or buckles to the depending back
overlap panel) to hold the back overlap panel in position, and
thereby hold or contribute to the holding of the uppermost portion
of the back section 11 against the front of the upright back of the
chair.
Generally, however, when these tie fasteners are used, the tie
string 38 is tied in a bow to tie string 40 affixed at one end to
the lateral edge 41 of he back overlap section 24; and tie string
39 is tied to string 41 affixed at the opposite lateral edge 43 of
the back overlap section 24.
After the seat section and the back section have been appropriately
fixed upon a chair, an individual is helped into a sitting position
on the chair and body harness members of the new harness are easily
and conveniently accommodated to the individual to hold him in that
sitting position on the seat section. These body harness members
suitably include elements adapted to extend between the forward
central area of the seat section 10 and laterally spaced locations
illustrated at numerals 28 and 29 at each side and rearwardly of
the individual.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the body harness members
especially effective as lower-body holding means for the infant
safety harnesses suitably include a crotch panel 44 connected to
the central forward area of the seat section 10. Dotted line 45 is
used to illustrate the approximate dividing line between the seat
panel 10 and the crotch panel 44. A laterally extending sash, for
example, a belt or strap 46, is connected to the crotch panel 44,
preferably near the anterior or outermost portion thereof and
suitably (but not necessarily) in a slidable or shiftable manner
through the opening formed by a loop 47 affixed (analogously to a
belt loop) to the anterior portion of crotch panel 44. Sash 46 is
adapted to be extended to and past laterally spaced locations
associated with the back section rearwardly of the individual; and
in the infant embodiment, this usually is accomplished by extending
sash 46 about the waist of the infant and then to the lateral edges
of the back section 11 and behind that back section. Usually, the
ends of sash 46 are extended to the rear of the upright back of the
chair and then tied in a knot or bow, or joined together by
severable and cooperating snap fastening elements 48 (shown at the
terminal ends of the sash strap 46 in FIG. 1). FIGS. 2 and 3
illustrate the location of crotch panel 44 and the relative
position of the sash strap 46 as it is extended to laterally spaced
locations about the sides of the individual toward the rear and
then joined at the rear of the individual through the slotted
openings 32 and 33 in the overlap panel 24. If desired, loops 58
may be provided at the lateral edges 28 and 29 of the back section
(or at lateral edges of the back overlap section), through which
the sash strap 46 may be threaded on its way to being joined, or to
which the ends of sash strap 46 may separately be affixed without
being joined at the rear of the individual.
Upper torso holding means, preferably in the nature of spaced
shoulder straps 49 (but possibly in the nature of a bib as a much
less preferred option), extend from the upper half of the back
section 11, suitably from laterally spaced locations 50 and 51.
This means is adapted to be drawn over the shoulders of an
individual seated on the seat section 10 on the chair. Shoulder
straps 49 normally are crossed over the chest of the individual (or
drawn to a position indicating the same to cross at a location over
the chest of the individual).
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, means are provided at the
terminal portion of each shoulder strap 49 for slidably or
shiftably connecting the sash strap 46 thereto; and this means
suitably consists of a loop 52 sewn or shaped on the terminal end
of each shoulder strap 49 of FIG. 1. Through the openings so
formed, the sash strap 46 may be and preferably is threaded on its
way to be drawn laterally about the sides of the individual. The
resulting arrangement on the individual is as illustrated in FIGS.
2 and 3; and it will be noted that the infant is not placed in any
discomfort, does have considerable freedom of movement, especially
for his limbs, can shift his body, but cannot escape from the safe
protective custody of the harness.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, shoulder straps 49 are
precrossed, but preferably not sewn together at their crossing
intersection. The outer lateral edge of the terminal portion of
each shoulder strap 49 is connected by a strip or strand 54 of
material. On crotch panel 44 is affixed a flap or short strip of
material 55, which (at the time of installing the harness on an
individual seated in a chair equipped with the device of this
invention) is placed through the opening formed by the lateral
edges of shoulder straps 49 and the connecting strip 52 between
them, and then is fastened to the crotch panel 44 as by connecting
cooperating snap fastening elements 56 and 57. Thus, in the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the sash or belt 46 is not
necessarily threaded through or connected per se to any element of
the shoulder straps 49 on its way to the rear of the individual,
but is connected to the shoulder straps 49 of the upper torso
holding means through the intermediate flap or tab 55 with which it
is associated. If desired, however, the flap 55 may be omitted, and
the sash itself, on its way to the rear of an individual, may be
threaded through the opening formed by the shoulder straps 49 and
connecting element 52 between them.
When such is done, the sash 46 serves also to perform the function
of tab 55 to draw or hold the shoulder straps toward a crossed
position. It will also be appreciated that the specific nature of a
connection between a flap 55 and the shoulder straps 49 may be
altered in a variety of ways without departing from the fundamental
principles for connection between the upper torso holding straps 49
and the lower body harness elements 44 and 46, as discussed
herein.
Preferably, at least a portion of the length of each shoulder strap
49 is elastic (or stretchable and retractable); and a suitable
elastic fabric portion is illustrated at numeral 59. To provide
snug fastening of seat section 10 and back section 11 to chairs of
different sizes, the straps 19 and 35 of FIG. 4 (and strap elements
13 and 14 plus 26 and 27 in FIG. 1), or at least a portion thereof,
also are preferably formed with material having elastic properties.
However, where the use of elastic inserts or fully elastic straps
is considered objectionable, it may be suitable to employ
nonelastic straps designed to be connected together or attached to
another part by tying a knot or bow.
The showing in FIG. 5 illustrates but one type of folding for an
illustrative harness to form a bag or carrying case suitable for
carrying diapers when the harness is not affixed to a chair. To be
observed is that the length of material forming the seat section
10, back section 11, and back overlap 24 is folded transversely at
about the middle of the back section 11. Fastening snap member 53,
on the depending portion of the back overlap panel 24, is then
connected to snap member 60 at approximately a middle location on
the under surface of the seat section 10. Sash 46 is suitably tied,
as illustrated, to form a handle for carrying the bag. Also to be
observed is that strap members 19 and 35 are drawn about the back
overlap panel 24 and the upper half of the back section 11 and then
fastened by attaching fasteners 22 and 23 and 36 and 37
respectively. This serves to hold the folded length of material in
the bag form.
Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 of the drawing, the major
embodiment of the invention especially useful to provide a safety
seat for adults or invalids will be described. This structure
comprises a seat section 61 of flexible material adapted to extend
as a covering upon the seat portion of a chair, and a back section
62 of flexible material connected to the seat section (although not
directly connected to the seat section). The back section 62 is
adapted to extend as a covering upon the front surface of the
upright back of a chair.
In the view shown in FIG. 6, the side of the seat section 61 seen
is the side which is next to the seat of a chair when the harness
is installed on a chair; the opposite side or surface is the
surface exposed and sat upon after the harness is installed on a
chair.
Means are provided for fastening the seat section 61 upon the seat
portion of a chair; and this means preferably comprises a flexible
underseat bottom panel member 63 adapted to extend as a connection
underneath the seat of a chair from one edge to an opposing edge of
the seat section 61. Dotted line 64 illustrates the approximate
line of division between the seat panel 61 and the underseat bottom
member 63. The underseat bottom panel 63 is united (preferably
permanently and not solely by severable fasteners) to the seat
section 60 as well as to the back section 61. It, in essence, forms
the link connecting the seat section 61 with the back section 62.
Also united to the back section 61 is a back overlap panel 65; and
dotted line 66 illustrates the approximate line of division between
the back section 62 and overlap panel 65. The connection between
these panels is suitably formed by sewing or sealing the material
of the panels along the line of division between the panels.
At the rear edge of seat section 61 (i.e., terminal end of a length
of flexible material out of which the back overlap panel 65, back
section 62, underseat panel 63 and seat section 61 are formed) is
provided means 67 cooperative with elements 68 at or connected to
the rear edge of under seat panel 63 to fasten seat section on the
seat of a chair. Suitably, a slotted opening 67, located centrally
along the rear edge of seat section 61, is large enough to permit
the entire back overlap panel structure 65 and back section 62 to
be drawn through it. As the back section 62 is stretched or pulled
upward and the back overlap panel 65 installed down the upright
back of the chair, seat section or panel 61 is simultaneously
fastened in position upon the seat of the chair. The arrangement on
installation of the harness upon a chair is such that the seat
section 61 is provided with means 67 cooperative with the rear edge
68 of the bottom panel 63, or the lowermost part of the back
section 62 associated with the rear edge 68, to hold the rear edge
portion of the seat section 61 in place. Significantly, the
arrangement holds the seat section 61 against forward movement away
from the back section 62.
The flexible back overlap panel 65, after being stretched into a
depending position down the rear part of the upright back of a
chair, is held in position by joining severable snap fastening
elements 93 and 69 on the lateral edge 70 and elements 71 and 72 on
lateral edge 73. This simultaneously fastens or holds the back
section 62 on the front surface of the upright back of a chair.
To be noted are two elongated slots laterally spaced from each
other in the upper half of the back section. These slots 74 and 75
are adapted to receive through them shoulder strap members 76 and
77, respectively. Although the shoulder straps might be immovably
fixed to a lateral location (such as illustrated by the location of
slots 74 and 75), greater comfort for an adult is provided when the
arrangement as illustrated is employed. Thus, just prior to
affixing the snap fasteners 93 and 71 of the back section 62 to
cooperating elements on the back overlap member 65, it is customary
to thread shoulder strap 76 through slot 74 and shoulder strap 77
through slot 75. Since shoulder strap 76 is permanently sewn or
affixed to the rear edge of underseat bottom panel 63 at a
laterally offset location (to the left in terms of the harness on a
chair), and shoulder strap 77 is permanently sewn at one end to an
opposite laterally offset location (to the right), the threading of
strap 76 through slot 74 and strap 77 through slot 75 serves to
cross shoulder straps 76 and 77 prior to a time they are threaded
forwardly through the shoulder strap openings in the back section
62. The portion of the shoulder straps 76 and 77 from the fixed
location 78 and 79 up to their passage through openings 74 and 75
is located behind the back section 62 next to the upright back of a
chair (and behind it). The result is that each shoulder strap 76
and 77 extends from fixed laterally spaced locations 74 and 75 in
the upper half of the back section. However, each shoulder strap
may be shifted or moved within or through the fixed laterally
spaced locations (i.e., slots 74 and 75) of the back section
62.
Preferably, the shoulder straps are firmly united and immovably
united to laterally spaced locations 78 and 79 at the rear edge of
the underseat bottom panel 63, as illustrated. Also, in order to
provide additional means for fastening the seat section 61 in
position, laterally spaced elongated slots 80 and 81 along the rear
edge of the seat section 61 permit shoulder straps 77 and 76
respectively to be drawn through them prior to being crossed and
drawn through the slots 74 and 75 in the upper half of the back
section 62. This feature constitutes an alternate means whereby the
seat section 61 may be fastened upon the seat of the chair; but it
is generally preferable to employ the feature of feeding the
shoulder straps through the slots 80 and 81 of the seat section in
combination with (instead of as an alternate to) feeding the back
section 62 and back overlap panel 65 through the elongated slot
centrally located at the rear of the seat section 61. Nevertheless,
alternate means substituting for the slot means may be employed to
achieve severable connection or uniting of these elements to hold
the seat member in position.
Body harness members, specifically lower body harness members, for
holding an individual in a seated position on the seat section
include elements in the nature of strap members 82 and 83 which are
adapted to extend between the forward central area of the seat
section 61 and laterally spaced locations associated with the back
section 62 rearwardly of an individual held by the harness. Each
strap member 82 and 83 is permanently connected at one end to the
forward central area of the seat section 61 as it is positioned
upon a chair (see FIGS. 7 and 8). One of these strap members, for
example, strap member 82, is adapted to be drawn upwardly through
the crotch area between the legs of an individual seated on seat
section, and then over his right thigh and secured rearwardly of
the individual on his right side. The other strap member, for
example strap member 83, is adapted to be drawn upwardly through
the crotch area over his left thigh and secured rearwardly on his
left side. Means by which the strap members 82 and 83 are secured
rearwardly of the individual suitably consists of ring or belt
buckle elements 84 and 85, fixed on the lateral edges of the back
overlap panel 65 and through which straps 82 and 83 may,
respectively, be slip threaded and frictionally held.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, strap 82, after being drawn over the
right thigh of the individual, is threaded through a loop 86 at the
free or unattached terminal end of the shoulder strap 77, and strap
83 is fed through a loop 87 at the terminal end of shoulder strap
76, prior to being affixed at the laterally spaced locations
rearwardly of the individual. The arrangement is such that the
lower body holding means (i.e., straps 82 and 83) are effective
"holders" but do not prevent an individual from crossing his legs
if he should choose to do so. This feature is, of course, made even
more possible whenever the straps 82 and 83 are formed of a
somewhat elastic material or are provided with elastic inserts.
Preferably, shoulder straps 76 and 77 are each equipped with an
elastic insert 88 so that some give or stretchability is imparted
to them to contribute to comfort for movement by the individual in
the harness without seriously sacrificing the safety features of
the harness.
Frequently also the harness is provided with reinforcement strips,
such as strips 89 and 90 in the back overlap panel 65, and strip 91
along the rear edge of the underseat bottom panel 63 where the
shoulder straps 76 and 77 and the back section 62 are firmly sewn
or affixed to the bottom panel 63. A similar reinforcing panel or
strip 92 may be located at the rear edge of the seat section 61
where the slots 67, 80 and 81 are located.
The panels and strap members of harnesses according to the
invention may be formed out of a wide variety of flexible sheetlike
materials. Fabric materials are especially useful. Illustrative
fabrics are canvass, duck cloth, quilted cottons, and any other
suitable fabric either having sufficient strength to withstand the
expected strain during use of the harness or reinforced with straps
or strips at high strain areas to impart greater resistance to
rupture or tearing. Leather is useful. Plastic film materials,
optionally reinforced by lamination or quilting to woven or
nonwoven fabric or other sheet material may also be used. Dual
layers with intermediate padding or reinforcement may add to the
comfort feature of the harness. Stiffeners may be used to impart
greater body to different sections such as the back or seat
sections of the harnesses; but generally, at least some drapability
is preferably retained in all sections or panels of the
harness.
Variation in the shape of sections or panels useful in practicing
the invention is possible without sacrifice of the fundamental
benefits of the invention. For example, the panels may be formed to
have an approximately oval shape, or an approximately hourglass
shape, and joined together at longitudinal or side areas to form
the length of material for fixing to the chair. A random or a
regular pattern of holes maybe present in the panels; but this
sometimes adds expense without a commensurate benefit.
Even possible, and sometimes desirable, is the expedient of forming
whole panels or parts of panels or sections out of elastic material
or with elastic strap inserts connecting the edge parts of a panel
or forming the link between different sections or panels.
Illustratively, to impart greater adjustability for the adult-type
harness to accommodate it to wheel chairs of different sizes, the
underseat bottom panel 63 may be equipped with elastic at one edge
connection portion to an adjacent panel or section. It may have an
insert of elastic material either extending completely across its
width an elastic strap or two joining front and rear portions of
that bottom panel 63. The shape of that underseat bottom panel,
particularly where a single midsection elastic insert is included,
may advisedly approximate that of an hourglass.
It will be appreciated that the exact line of demarcation between
different sections or panels of the harnesses is to some extent a
function of the size of the chair on which a harness according to
the invention is affixed. For example, a back-overlap panel may, in
the case of a high-backed chair, occupy some of the front surface
of the upright back of the chair; but in essence, its function is
that of a piece of material extending down the backside of the back
of the chair to hold or assist in holding the back section of the
harness in place.
Connecting flexible strands of material such as sashes e.g. straps,
belts, tie strings and the like) may assume a variety of forms.
Different elements from one or more illustrated embodiments may be
used in substitution of or in addition to analogous elements of
other embodiments illustrated and described. Where desired,
shoulder straps 76 and 77 of FIGS. 6-8, inclusive, need not be
crossed before passing them through the lateral locations 74 and 75
in the upper half of the back section 62. Or, they may not be
crossed over the chest of an individual.
Also to be noted is the possibility of employing upper torso
holding members as the sole body harness members of harnesses
according to the invention. For example, shoulder straps (such as
those numbered 49 in FIGS. 1-5 and those numbered 76 and 77 of
FIGS. 6-8 inclusive) may be employed without lower body holding
members (such as elements 44 and 46 of FIGS. 1-5; and elements 82
and 83 of FIGS 6-8). Under such circumstances, the shoulder straps
(after being or without being crossed over the chest of an
individual) are extended or drawn laterally under the arms of the
individual toward the rear of the back section or back overlap
section and fastened. They may be fastened to a buckle element such
as elements 84 and 85 of FIGS. 6-8; or, if made long enough, they
may be fastened together behind the individual by using snap
members or by typing them together. Thus, where desired, lower body
harness means may be omitted in favor of major reliance on upper
torso holding means such as shoulder straps. Generally, where this
is done, the harness will primarily be used to hold an individual
other than a small infant.
If desired, the means for holding the back section on the front of
an upright back of a chair may be such as to form, with the back
section itself, an envelope. For example, the back overlap panel 24
of FIG. 1 may be not only united at one edge to the uppermost edge
of the back section 11 of FIG. 1, but also united at its lateral
edge portions 42 and 43 to part or all of the lateral edge portions
28 and 29 of the back section 11 so as to form an inverted pocket
or envelope. The resulting envelope may be slipped over the upright
back of a chair. Similarly, the means for holding the seat section
10 in place on the seat of a chair may, with the seat portion 10
itself, substantially envelope the seat of a chair, particularly a
chair designed to have a cantilevered seat.
Permanently uniting different parts of the harness together may be
accomplished by any suitable means. For example, one may use
sewing, or sealing such as by adhesives (or heat sealing where
suitable plastics are used). Frequently, from the standpoint of
economy of manufacture, the different sections or panels of the
harness are formed from a single length of flexible material so as
to avoid as much sewing (or other means for joining separate panels
together) as possible.
It will also be appreciated that the specific form for fastening
elements permitting connection and disconnection between the
severable and connectable parts of the harness may vary
considerably without departing from the essential features of the
invention. For example, hooks and eyes may be useful where the
strain upon them, as from the activity of a very small infant, is
not apt to dislodge them. Bucklelike fasteners, as conventionally
employed for belts, may optionally be employed. Slip fasteners
relying upon a friction grip on a sash or strand of material may be
employed.
A number of other variations are possible while still retaining the
major benefits of the invention; and it will be recognized that,
although the major embodiments have been characterized for infant
or adult use, either type may be used both for infants and
adults.
An interesting further variation is one wherein the seat section is
omitted, and the function of holding is performed solely by the
upper torso holding means. Another is that of fastening parts of
the harness by snap fasteners cooperative with elements built into
or made as a part of a chair.
Even possible is the manufacture of a chair with body-harness means
or elements as discussed herein attached to the seat or upright
back or both; and in this variation, the seat section and back
section of the harnesses above-described become integral with or a
part of the seat and back of the chair.
* * * * *